Stern drive "clunk" at high rpm`s

[sgwtrav1]

I have a 89 2.3 omc i/o capri 17`. I`m getting an occasional clunk from the stern drive. It starts between 2500-3000 rpm`s. It doesn`t effect the engine or performance. It just clunks, there is no consistency when it happens. You can see the stern drive jerk when it happens
I have taken the stern drive off thinking it might be the U jouints, but there fine. I drained the gear oil, very little filings. New prop. this year.
Putting it in gear, forward and in reverse goes in easy ( stern drive still off )
There is some play between the prop and the upper case U joint shaft, not sure if that is normal.
Any ideas,
Thank you,
Shawn

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Stern drive "clunk" at high rpm`s

Your clutch dogs are toast which was caused by an out of adjustment or failing lower shift cable.

 

[sgwtrav1]

Re: Stern drive "clunk" at high rpm`s

Would that also cause hard shifting in the water (Reverse mostly) once and a while?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Stern drive "clunk" at high rpm`s

No, but the worn out shift cable would.

 

[sgwtrav1]

Re: Stern drive "clunk" at high rpm`s

Any suggestions, hints, ideas to give before I get started taking apart the lower drive unit. I just ordered a omc stern drive manual.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Stern drive "clunk" at high rpm`s

Any suggestions, hints, ideas to give before I get started taking apart the lower drive unit. I just ordered a omc stern drive manual.

a good read:
http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/

 

[sgwtrav1]

Re: Stern drive "clunk" at high rpm`s

I took apart the lower unit, and the dog clutch was barely worn (edges), same with the forward and reverse gears. I put it back together according to the service manual and the above link. Better, but still slipping (clunk). Ordering a lower shift cable.